Myanmar, a country situated along an active earthquake belt, experienced a catastrophic tremor on Friday. While the region is no stranger to seismic activity, most quakes typically occur in remote areas. This time, however, the disaster struck densely populated cities, leading to extensive destruction and loss.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Germany’s GFZ geoscience center, the earthquake originated at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). This shallow nature intensified the destruction, as seismic waves had less distance to travel before reaching the surface.
The sheer magnitude of the earthquake was staggering. A geologist speaking to CNN revealed that the energy released was equivalent to 334 atomic bombs. This immense force sent shockwaves across the region, and experts warn that aftershocks could persist for months.
Scientists identified the source of the quake as the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line that runs north to south through Myanmar. This type of fault, known as a “strike-slip” fault, occurs when two tectonic plates grind against each other in a predominantly horizontal motion.
Seismologist Brian Baptie from the British Geological Survey explained that in some areas, the earth’s surface shifted an astonishing five meters (16.4 feet) within a single minute. Such a rapid and forceful movement significantly contributed to the scale of devastation.
One of the key reasons behind the widespread destruction was the region’s architectural vulnerability. Many buildings in the affected areas are constructed using timber or unreinforced brick masonry, materials that are particularly susceptible to seismic activity. The violent tremors left homes, businesses, and infrastructure in ruins, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath, experts stress the urgent need for improved earthquake-resistant construction and disaster preparedness. With aftershocks looming, the road to recovery remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—this earthquake has left an indelible mark on the nation.